The Fox 38 Factory GRIP2 suspension fork is engineered for aggressive trail and enduro riders seeking maximum adjustability, stiffness, and precision control. Built to withstand the demands of hard-charging descents while maintaining superior traction and tunability, this fork has become a benchmark in the high-performance suspension category.

Tools Required

• Torque wrench [paid link] with appropriate hex and Torx bits
• Shock pump
• 36mm socket (for air spring service)
• Isopropyl alcohol and clean cloth
• Suspension grease
• Caliper or metric ruler
• Fox Float Fluid and 20wt Gold oil
• Allen keys [paid link] (4mm, 5mm, 6mm)

Installation Procedure

Proper installation is critical to performance and longevity. The Fox 38 Factory GRIP2 requires careful integration with your frame and headset standards.

Begin by confirming the steerer tube length relative to your frame and cockpit setup. The steerer is 1.5″ tapered and should be cut to accommodate the stem and headset stack height with at least 5mm of clearance above the stem for the top cap preload.

Insert the star nut using a star nut setter or press-fit a compression plug if using a carbon steerer spacer system. Mount the fork to the frame’s head tube using headset cups matching your bike’s specifications. Torque all stem bolts evenly and install the front wheel with a 15x110mm Boost hub standard using the floating axle system. Always align the floating axle correctly before tightening the pinch bolts to maintain chassis stiffness and fork alignment.

Adjustment Settings

The GRIP2 damper allows independent adjustment of high-speed and low-speed compression, along with high-speed and low-speed rebound. Start with Fox’s factory-recommended baseline settings, then fine-tune based on terrain and riding style.

Compression Tuning:

• Low-speed compression controls fork movement under slow inputs like cornering and braking.
• High-speed compression mitigates harsh impacts and bottom-outs.

Rebound Tuning:

• Low-speed rebound governs return speed after slow compressions.
• High-speed rebound manages rapid recovery post big hits or drops.

Sag should be set between 15-20% for enduro use. Use the o-ring on the stanchion to help set sag accurately while wearing full riding gear. Adjust air pressure using a shock pump, matching rider weight and riding style to air spring performance.

Routine Maintenance

The 38 Factory GRIP2 fork requires regular maintenance intervals to ensure peak performance. Basic lower leg service should be performed every 30–50 hours of ride time.

Remove the lowers, inspect for oil contamination, and clean the stanchions and bushings with isopropyl alcohol. Replace wiper seals if cracked or deformed. Lubricate with Fox Float Fluid and refill with fresh 20wt Gold oil to ensure consistent damping and stanchion protection.

Full damper and air spring service is advised every 125 hours or annually. The GRIP2 damper is not user-serviceable without specific tools and training, so service by a qualified suspension technician is recommended.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

Harsh ride or excessive feedback: This typically stems from overly stiff high-speed compression or insufficient sag. Reduce air pressure and dial back HSC clicks.

Fork diving under braking: Increase low-speed compression slightly and reassess fork angle to ensure sag isn’t too deep.

Inconsistent rebound behavior: Check for oil contamination or air in the damper. Rebound adjusters should provide consistent tactile feedback; if they feel vague, the damper may need servicing.

Clunking or top-out noise: Often due to too little air pressure or inadequate rebound damping. Inspect air spring volume and tune rebound settings for smoother recovery.

Customization and Performance Optimization

One of the key appeals of the 38 Factory GRIP2 is its modular air spring and volume spacer system. Riders can adjust progressiveness by adding or removing volume spacers from the air spring shaft.

Aggressive riders seeking mid-stroke support often benefit from one or two additional spacers, increasing ramp-up without impacting sag settings. Conversely, riders preferring a more linear feel can remove spacers to soften end-stroke resistance.

For further customization, the Fox 38 allows for aftermarket Kashima-coated stanchions for improved durability and reduced friction, and the GRIP2 damper is compatible with various tuning shims for expert-level control refinement.

Compatibility With Drivetrain and Frame Standards

The 38 Factory GRIP2 is designed around modern enduro geometries, using a 44mm or 51mm rake option to match head angle and offset preferences. The fork is compatible with 29″ wheels and up to 2.6″ tire widths.

Its Boost axle spacing (15x110mm) supports wide hub flange spacing and is compatible with most modern enduro frames. Brake compatibility includes 180mm direct post mount, expandable to 203mm or 220mm with adapters.

The steerer tube is aluminum, tapered from 1 1/8” to 1.5”, fitting almost all modern trail and enduro frames without requiring special adaptors or reducers.

Comparison With Similar Models

Compared to the Fox 36, the 38 offers increased stiffness thanks to its larger 38mm stanchions and beefier chassis. This results in better tracking and control during aggressive descents.

Against its main rival, the RockShox ZEB Ultimate, the 38 GRIP2 excels in small bump sensitivity and damping customization. While the ZEB provides a solid, plush feel out of the box, the Fox offers more intricate adjustment and superior traction modulation over varied terrain.

Fox also offers the 38 in a Performance Elite variant, which features the same chassis and damper without the Kashima coating, offering a cost-effective alternative without compromising functionality.

FAQs

1. What makes the GRIP2 damper different from other dampers?
The GRIP2 provides independent four-way adjustability, allowing for precise control over high- and low-speed compression and rebound settings. It uses a variable valve control system for unmatched tunability.

2. How often should I service the Fox 38 Factory GRIP2 fork?
Lower leg service is recommended every 30–50 hours. A full service, including air spring and damper, should be done every 125 hours or annually.

3. Can I install the Fox 38 on my trail bike?
If your frame supports a 160–180mm travel fork with a tapered steerer and 29″ wheels, you can install the Fox 38. However, it’s better suited to enduro and heavy-duty trail bikes due to its stiffness and weight.

4. What volume spacers come pre-installed in the Fox 38?
Depending on travel length, the fork comes with 1–2 volume spacers installed. Riders can add or remove these to tune the spring curve.

5. Can I upgrade the damper on a Performance model to GRIP2?
Yes, the GRIP2 damper is available aftermarket and can be installed in Fox 38 Performance forks by a certified technician.

6. Is the Kashima coating worth the extra cost?
Kashima reduces stiction and improves durability. For riders who ride frequently or competitively, it’s a valuable upgrade that contributes to consistent performance over time.